Most Holy Father:

Welcome to Vancouver, the most beautiful city in Canada. The Pacific Ocean washes against its feet and grants it peace, courtesy, kindness, common sense, and prudence. The ocean "seasons it with salt". The body of the city is beautified by vast parks and floral gardens. Its air is always fragrant with the natural aromas of flowers. Its natural beauties are the proverbial sirens that enchant the millions of tourists who come to visit it annually. Indeed, many decide to move here permanently. Its head is surrounded by the high and lofty mountains, whose craggs are always resplendent in greenery, while its heights are always white from the snow and from the centuries old glaciers. Its inward parts are characterized by warmth, love, kindness, life and constant activity. These parts are truly its wonderful people, who come from "every race and tongue". They all work together cooperatively and progress harmoniously. In their midst are the Orthodox Christians who are benevolent and most kind. They are Christians truly knowledgeable about their faith. Progressive and honourable in every respect. Beloved and respected by all. And now, in our midst, you are with us, Most Holy Father! Canada waited for many years to welcome the leader of Orthodoxy - almost two thousand years! Now, you have come! Simple. Noble. Peaceful. A real icon of Christ! A true father! We thank you for coming to us! Respectfully, we ask of you: speak to us! Grant us the gift of your serenity. Your experience of the light of Christ. Words from your heart. So that our hearts may leap with joy even more. Your words are words of life. They will indelibly remain in our souls. They will be shining beacons that will direct our life upon earth. They will guide us to salvation. To the Kingdom of God. Most Holy Father, come and bless your spiritual children. Bless us all!